PESHAWAR: Young enthusiasts gathered in Nishtar Hall on Sunday to perform a play titled ‘State of the art’ to raise awareness among youth to express themselves in creative ways.

Around 40 students from different universities of Peshawar came up with a novel idea to raise awareness among youth to counter negative narratives through artistic activities including theatrical performances and literary forums on the campuses.

The event was a joint effort of Centre for Law and Business and Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism and Authority (KPCTA). A large number of students, art enthusiasts and faculty members attended the event.

The young graduates needed an outlet where they could get into a dialogue culture and open debate, the performers’ team stressed.

40 students of different universities stage play to raise awareness among youth

The theme of the play was to educate teachers and parents to create space for youth to creatively respond to challenges and social and political issues through positive and healthy activities. The script writer, producer and performers all were students, who captivated the jam-packed Nishtar Hall with their wonderful performance.

The initiative was a whole creative package comprising crew of students from Institute of Management Sciences, University of Peshawar, University of Engineering and Technology, National University of Modern Languages and Pakturk Maarif School who contributed to staging of the theatre play.

Scripted by Mujtaba Hilal with co-writer Hajiur Rahman, the multilingual play revolved around a group of enthusiast students. The play featured a supernatural element represented by a chorus to reflect a collective consciousness. While exploring the themes of artistic and creative struggle, the play delved into ideas about meaning, purpose, effort and hope, fragmented identities, failure and success.

Organisers of the play told this scribe that youth needed an outlet for expressing their ideas and vision and it required a space and due platform where they could display their talent and share their dreams for the society.

They said that educational institutions and stakeholders should provide platforms and space to youth for engaging in creative and fruitful academic activities rather than forcing them to resort to involving in anti-social actions.

Parents, teachers and stakeholders should create a space for youth filled with innovative ideas and vision for the uplift of the society.

Mahum Javed, media coordinator, and Bilal Ahmad, lead mentor of the initiative, said that their team would play several live theatres on the campuses to educate academia and parents to support such positive activities.

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2025